Game Preview: Memphis must keep focus vs. Tulsa

The AAC title is wide open.

After a 2-2 start to conference play, the Memphis Tigers traveled to Philadelphia for its own Rocky Balboa moment. Down, but not out, Kendric Davis rose from the canvas and hit a dramatic, buzzer-beating game-winner. Even Penny Hardaway punched the air in celebration mimicking KD’s knockout blow.

That victory felt much bigger than a conference win on the road. It reignited a fire under the Tigers that was slowly fading prior to the win. What followed was a three-game win streak, including a wire-to-wire win in Cincinnati against a familiar face. Memphis let its game do the talking in that one and followed it up with a business-like performance against SMU at home. At the moment, the Tigers are 3rd in the AAC, only 1.5 games back of Houston in 1st. As the Tigers travel to Tulsa to face the Golden Hurricanes, Memphis must ignore the records and treat this game with respect to cut Houston’s lead to 1 game.

Matchup: Memphis Tigers (16-5, 6-2, 3rd in AAC) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (5-14, 1-7, 11th in AAC)

Time: 4 p.m. CST

Location: Donald W Reynolds Center, Tulsa, OK

TV/Stream/Radio: ESPN2/FM: 98.9

Injury Report: Malcolm Dandridge (Out, ankle); Alex Lomax (Out, groin)

Keys to the Game

1. Start Fast and Don’t Look Back

The Cincinnati game carried strong emotions with Memphis facing former Tiger Landers Nolley. Though both sides tried to play down the matchup, the teams were clearly amped up for the game, and rightfully so. Besides facing a former Memphis Tiger on the road, the Bearcats are one of the best teams in the conference and provided a vital test for Memphis. Against SMU, the inverse of the Cincy game was at play with Kendric Davis taking on his former team at home. Plus, the Tigers were heavily favored against the 2nd worst team in the conference.

But records were thrown out the door as Davis and the rest of his teammates played with intensity early on creating separation Memphis never conceded. Facing Tulsa provides another interesting wrinkle with Assistant Coach Frank Haith coaching against his former team in a city he used to call home. Just like against SMU, the Tigers can’t be complacent or relaxed and fall into the trap Tulsa will lay.

2. Consistent Keonte

Let’s give Keonte Kennedy his flowers. Over the past three games, he’s averaging 14 points on 53.8% from the field and 58.9% from 3 in only 21.7 minutes per game. Tiger fans have been asking for a third scoring option next to KD and DeAndre Williams. Perhaps, Keonte Kennedy is officially the answer. Are those shooting percentages sustainable? No. But does he have all the tools to be the microwave scorer Memphis needs? Absolutely. You can see his confidence grow with each game as he becomes more comfortable on the floor. Tougher tests await. But keep an eye on Keonte as he looks to build on three straight strong performances.

3. Defend Without Fouling

Memphis ranks 311th in fouls per game. Tulsa ranks 292nd in opponent fouls per game.

Translation: Memphis fouls a ton, but Tulsa doesn’t force a ton of fouls. Sunday afternoon, something’s gotta give. Defending without fouling has been a key for the Tigers in almost every game this year. One way an upset can happen is if the favored team gives away free points to the underdog. Though the Tigers got away with it against SMU as Memphis committed 22 fouls, three over its season average of 19, it’s best not to tempt fate twice in a row.

Prediction

Memphis 79 Tulsa 68